Finding the Best Medication For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a very common mental health issue. Many people take medication to manage their anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of medicines, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs (such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) are usually the first prescriptions doctors give for anxiety. They affect neurotransmitters, which influence the mood of your brain.
Benzodiazepines
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed from time to time. However, if these feelings persist or cause problems in your daily life you might need to seek help from a professional. Alongside psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, medication can be a useful tool in reducing anxiety symptoms. There isn't a one-size-fits-all medication for anxiety; the best option for you will depend on your condition and other aspects.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax(alprazolam) or Valium(diazepam), are powerful drugs that provide relief from anxiety symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, or shaking voices. Benzodiazepines can slow brain activity and encourage relaxation by increasing the activity of the receptors for Gamma aminobutyric acids. They are prescribed for anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, panic disorder and generalized anxiety. However, they are addictive and should be taken under medical supervision for short-term use.
Antidepressants are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications increase the levels in the brain of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone that influences mood) and norepinephrine (another neurotransmitter associated with the body's fight or flight response). Some people aren't able to take these medications and might experience insomnia or nausea. In addition, physical dependence can develop on long-term SSRI treatment.
Other medications, including propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) are often prescribed for anxiety off-label especially when combined with antidepressants. These beta blockers are employed to reduce anxiety and phobias.
Some anxiety-related symptoms can be relieved by medication for allergies like Vistaril. It blocks certain histamine receptors within the brain, which reduces excessive activity in the central nervous system, leading to a calming effect. It is prescribed as needed to treat anxiety, particularly prior to surgery. While not a first-choice medication however, it can be an option for patients who are unable to take benzodiazepines due to of the danger of addiction and misuse.
Antidepressants
Anxiety is a fairly common mental health condition, and it's highly treatable. Most often, changes in lifestyle are the first step. However, medications can also help to relieve symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to help with anxiety, and the one that performs best will depend on the individual's diagnosis and medical history, as well as treatment goals. In general, more recent SSRI antidepressants are the best medication for anxiety, but older tricyclic antidepressants may also perform.
Benzodiazepines are another option, and they work quickly to provide relief for panic attacks and other symptoms. They target receptors for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) slowing down the brain's response to stress, and promoting a sense calm. They are generally used to bridge other medications, and they are prone to becoming habit-forming, and they shouldn't be taken long time. Benzodiazepines are available in the form of Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax, (alprazolam).
Another kind of antidepressant, beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety by inhibiting the actions of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones, which play a role in the body's fight or flight response. They also boost serotonin levels - the chemical messenger that influences mood. Examples of beta-blockers doctors prescribe to treat anxiety include propranolol as well as atenolol.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are the medications doctors usually prescribe for anxiety, and they work by impacting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The drugs can take several weeks to begin working, so it's important to not get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Common SSRIs that are prescribed for anxiety include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Lexapro).
Antidepressants are prescribed only as a last option in some instances because they can cause anxiety to worsen. However, in other instances it's the only option that is effective, especially when it's paired with therapy. A psychiatrist is the most qualified professional to discuss this since they have extensive training in the field of psychiatric medication management. When choosing disorders anxiety , they'll take into account a person's medical history, diagnosis, goals, and tolerance to medications. Psychiatrists are also able to provide regular appointments and follow-ups to evaluate the effectiveness of medication and also monitor the effects of medication.
Hydroxyzine
Medications are the cornerstone of treatment for anxiety disorders however they're not the only way to control your symptoms. A psychiatrist will employ a variety of tools, such as psychotherapy, to help you cope with your anxiety. If you require medication they'll suggest a treatment program that blends several dosages and drugs to achieve the most effective results.
The psychiatrist has a wide range of options when it comes to anti-anxiety medications that include traditional options like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. They can also prescribe additional medications, such as atypical antidepressants and SNRIs. These medications can be utilized as a long-term solution, or to provide short-term relief from panic attacks and other severe symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine which can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms and tension. It works by altering the levels of serotonin and histamine which can alter your mood. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled drug and does not pose the danger of addiction like other drugs, such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can. If you combine this medication with other drugs which induce drowsiness, like sedatives or narcotics, the side effects could be dangerous.
A doctor can prescribe Hydroxyzine in the form of tablets, syrup, or suspension which should be taken three to every day for a total of four doses. It is essential to follow the directions on your prescription and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any aspect that you aren't sure about. If you're pregnant or nursing, you shouldn't take hydroxyzine, because animal studies have proven that the drug can cause harm to fetuses.
Psychiatrists often prescribe hydroxyzine in order to treat anxiety which can cause feelings of dread and nervousness. It can also lead to heart palpitations and trembling. Patients with breathing problems should not take hydroxyzine, as it can dry out mucus and make breathing difficult. Inform your doctor right away when you are experiencing difficulty breathing. Avoid taking hydroxyzine with alcohol or other drugs that may cause the feeling of drowsiness.
Buspirone
Being anxious from time the moment is normal, however anxiety that is persistent and disrupts your health and life should be addressed by a medical professional. Psychologists have been specially trained to assist those with anxiety problems. They have a number of tools available to them including medications, cognitive behavior therapy as well as other treatments for anxiety disorders.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs are typically the first treatment a psychiatrist would recommend to a person living with anxiety. They help regulate mood by boosting your body's serotonin levels. They also have a low addiction and abuse risk. They also work for both long-term symptom relief and as a follow-up to other treatments for anxiety.
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium are fast-acting drugs that can relieve anxiety immediately. They work by affecting gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in your brain, slowing it down, and helping you to feel calm. They do not have the same adverse effects as SSRIs but they can be addictive and create a habit.
Buspirone is an antidepressant that has also been demonstrated to be an effective anxiolytic. It is most commonly used in second-line treatments. It is available in the form of an oral tablet and has a lower risk of side effects than other medication. However, it takes a few weeks of consistent usage to fully experience the effects, so it's crucial to adhere to your medication regimen.
It is ultimately your doctor's decision to prescribe the best anxiety medication for you. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your options. They can explain the effects of each medication and any potential side effects. If they have other suggestions for treating your anxiety disorder, they will also be able provide them. You can also take our short online test and be connected with a psychiatrist who is licensed to treat anxiety disorders.